Obituary of Edmund Costa

Edmund F. Costa, a long-time Burlington resident and proud WW II American Submarine Veteran, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday afternoon, March 24, 2015. He was 90 years old. Edmund was born in Boston, the son of the late Domingos and Lena Costa. He grew up in Somerville, moving to Burlington in 1961. On October 2, 1942, he enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II. During the war he served on the USS Marlin, USS Salmon, and USS Redfish. Serving on a submarine during WW II required some special and incredibly brave men. He saw some extensive action aboard all the submarines, especially the USS Redfish. The USS Redfish was launched in January of 1944 and saw immediate action sinking Japanese cargo ship Batopaha Maru, the tanker Ogura Maru Number Two, and the transport Mizuho Maru--all off Formosa. After departing from Saipan, the Redfish sank the Japanese transport Hozan Maru, and, combined with Sea Devil (SS-400), heavily damaged the Japanese aircraft carrier, Junyō. Then weeks later, they sank Japan’s newly-built 18,500 ton Japanese aircraft carrier, Unryū, During that attack the Redfish was forced to the bottom in 230 feet of water by vicious Japanese countermeasures. Despite the Redfish’s pressure hull being cracked and numerous leaks throughout, the Redfish’s crew managed to evade further damage and limp back to port, receiving the Presidential Unit Citation “For extraordinary heroism in action.” Edmund was extremely proud of his service to his country and serving as an US Navy Submariner. He shared a special bond with those he served alongside of as well as all other Navy Submariners. He was a longtime member of the Baystate East Chapter of the WW II Submarine Veterans Association, where he held the position of Treasurer. He was also a lifetime member of the Silent Service and VFW in Marshfield. Edmund and his wife helped organize and attended the Annual Submariners Convention well into his 80s. He also volunteered as a tour guide at Battleship Cove. After the war, Edmund worked as a meat cutter, employed by Purity Supreme, Stop and Shop, TJ Kelly Beef, and United Beef. He also owned and operated his own store, called “Eddie’s Meat Palace” in Burlington. Even in his retirement years, Edmund was not a man to sit idly by, so he worked part time at Herb Chambers, driving cars to various dealerships around New England. He was a very proud hardworking man who was part of the age of what Tom Brokaw described as “The Greatest Generation.” He served on the Burlington Library Building Committee and was involved for years with the local youth hockey organization, including his contribution as the organization’s photographer. Edmund was the loving husband of 66 years to his late wife E. Elsie (Barchard) Costa. He was the loving father of Susan Kelly of Billerica, Brett Costa & his wife Lynne of Kittery Point, ME, and the late Brian Costa. He was the father-in-law of the late Brian Kelly. He was the brother of the late Henry Costa. Edmund was the proud grandfather of Michael Kelly of Billerica and Lisa Costa of Manchester, NH, and great-grandfather of Noah Fontanez and Aliyah Rose Mojica. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, March 28 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, BURLINGTON. Memorials in Edmund’s name may be made to the United States Submarine Veterans, PO Box 3870, Silverdale, WA 98383.